Siena - and the last days in Italia.

 

I ended up managing to go to Siena, for the last full day in Florence.

It was an hour bus ride - on a comfortable, air conditioned coach.

 

Upon arrival, I had a quick browse of their weekly market. 

It was difficult finding a map. fortunately, some generous tourists donated theirs, as they had more than one.

 

 

 I then walked to the Piazza De Campo - a central point in the town. Its a huge circular section of space, all sloping down towards the big town hall and tower.

Each year, they hold big horse races around the circle. people pile in the middle and on the outskirts. Siena basically prepares for the first 6 months for the two races (july 2 and August 16 I believe), and its a big community event that has been going on for generations.

 

 

 

Lucy, a lovely Canadian woman, was so welcoming and suggested going on a walking tour. We did that, and it was great to see the city and hear about it too.

 

Siena was a beautiful place with rich history. Its crazy imagining people living there in medieval times. I loved it.

 

 

 

 So, a couple decided to fly to Siena and get married. They also had a full camera crew for both stills and filming. (um...wow, that's a lot of money).

 

 

 

 A wonderful lane with a beautiful restaurant!

 

 

We went inside a huge church, (the duomo?), which was amazing to see. So detailed.

 

We had our own lunch, thanks to generous Lucy, of bread, meat, cheese, tomatoes and a dessert of fruit and true Italian patisserie almond cookies. Biting into them was like a biscuit coating and a cake inside. They were delicious.

 

 

 

I have since left Italy.

Dinner was a simple supermarket dinner (too tired to go out anywhere special, plus living on a budget). This consisted of fresh watermelon, yoghurt, and yoghurt with choc wafer things (for dessert).

 

Commuting from Florence to Paris went smoothly.

Train to Rome, Train to the airport, and flight to Paris Orly airport. Then an easy shuttlebus directly to the door of the hotel.

 

The entire group of uni students for the Footsteps of the Impressionist art tour are together now. We had a night of French cheese and wine.

Im not a wine person, but wow the cheese was amazing! (dinner sorted haha).

 

Today will be the first day of the tour! yay.